People who are newly sober are also new to having joy without having alcohol or drugs to accentuate their mood. Early recovery does not always entail smiles and laughter because the reality may have set in for what is exactly happening to them. They are probably getting and staying sober without really wanting to, which is pretty normal with addicts.
Most addicts are directed to 12-Step programs to get the support they need to maintain long-term sobriety. Meetings are the basis of how to get started in the program. Without attending a meeting, you are less likely to meet someone who attends the 12-Step program due to the principle of anonymity that the program is established on.
Once you get to a meeting for the first time, you may hear the sounds of laughter and giggles and wonder if you are in the right place. Seeing people seemingly so happy may have you taken aback trying to figure out how this can be. People that are sick and tired of being sick and tired are usually lacking any sort of real elation without being under the influence. Going into a meeting where people are so friendly and are smiling and laughing may make you feel uncomfortable, but it does not have to stay that way for long.
As open sharing begins, people will start sharing some of their most shameful actions when they were abusing drugs and alcohol. You might not comprehend while others in the meeting are laughing at the darkest moments in someone’s life. Again, you may feel uncomfortable that someone should get upset for what you perceive as inappropriate laugher. To the other members, laughing is a sign that they too have endured the same circumstances, as well the same feelings. The laugher is indicative of being able to relate to the other person while being able to turn the pain into laughter to grow in their recovery.
Once this process takes place, Rule 62 can be applied to the addict’s life of “not taking yourself too seriously”. Then the progress of being able to help others in the program can get you to put your hand out to someone else in need. The laugher can help you to flourish in recovery to become the person that you always wished you could be. You let drugs and alcohol stand in the way for long enough. Now is the time you should laugh with someone else or at yourself.
Serenity Oaks Wellness Center is here to help anyone who is losing the battle against their addiction. Our holistic therapy and 12-Step aspects can help individuals looking for a way out of their addiction struggles. Call us today: 844-720-6847
